Quote:The internet you use every day could soon be dominated by artificial intelligence. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince says that AI bots may generate more traffic than humans within the next year or two, marking a major shift in how the web works.

Speaking about the current trends with TechCrunch, Prince said bot activity is growing rapidly as AI systems crawl and interact with websites at scale.

Before the rise of generative AI, bots were responsible for only 20% of internet traffic. Most of that traffic came from search engines like Google, and some malicious activity. Now, that number is climbing much faster.

Quote:This month, Microsoft has already released two emergency OOB or out-of-band updates to resolve a couple of major issues. The first one under KB5084597 was a security patch for a critical network vulnerability while the second one, KB5084897, was to fix broken Bluetooth connectivity. Those were on Windows 11 2024 LTSC.

Following those, today, Microsoft has released yet another OOB update this time for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 to fix an internet connectivity-related problem we reported on a few days back. Due to this new bug that was documented this week, Microsoft confirmed that MSA or Microsoft Account sign-in broke and as such affected users were not able to access Microsoft's free apps like Teams Free, OneDrive, Edge, Copilot, Excel, and Word as it led to "You'll need the Internet for this. It doesn't look like you're connected to the Internet" error message.

With today's new OOB update under KB5085516 (builds 26200.8039 on 25H2 and 26100.8039 on 24H2), Microsoft has resolved this bug.

To get the update, go to the Settings page via the Start menu, then Update & Security > Windows Update. Here, you will find KB5085516 under Check for Optional Updates.

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Quote:V-TEST Awards 2025: celebrating the very best of IT security products

In the labs of AV-TEST, there was a whole raft of security products to be tested and certified in 2025. The test candidates had to prove their merits under Windows, Mac or Android in the categories for consumer users and corporate users. For the best in the field of protection products, the AV-TEST Institute grants its coveted awards, now for the 15th time. In total, the experts conferred the special 25 awards on 12 manufacturers across 11 test categories. The awards are presented in the areas of Protection, Performance, Usability and Advanced Protection under Windows, along with Mac Security and Android Security. With these accolades, the institute recognizes the best solutions from the 2025 test year and, in doing so, honors the manufacturers for their strong research and development work.


AV-TEST Awards 2025: celebrating the very best of IT security products

Robust cybersecurity against ransomware, stealer malware and spyware

A glance at the latest malware statistics might well cause distress among consumer users and corporate users. For Windows systems alone, the malware samples registered in the AV-ATLAS database in the period of 2024 to 2025 grew from 920 to 995 million – that is an increase of just over 8 percent. Which means that on the day of the awards ceremony at the beginning of March 2026, it probably will already have exceeded one billion.

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Quote:Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 will let users pause updates indefinitely, a level of control not available since Windows 8. The change is part of the broader Windows K2 update rollout announced this week. Pavan Davuluri, EVP of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, explained the new options:
 

Quote:"Users will be able to skip updates during device setup to reach the desktop faster, restart or shut down without installing updates, and pause updates for longer when needed."

The update also aims to reduce disruptions with fewer automatic restarts and notifications.

What Changes With Windows 11 Updates

Since Windows 10, updates have been largely mandatory. Users could delay them for a few weeks, but eventually, Windows would enforce the installation. That restriction is now being removed. Once the update rolls out, users will be able to postpone updates as they wish, shut down or restart without needing to install a pending update first, and skip update installation during initial setup.

Why Microsoft Is Letting Windows 11 Users Pause Updates

Microsoft aims to make updates more predictable, easier to manage, and less disruptive. This change is part of a larger effort to improve Windows 11’s reputation, along with performance enhancements and reduced system friction.

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Quote:Opera GX, the gaming-oriented browser from Opera, is now available for Linux users. This marks the first time the browser has been released on the platform, after previously being available only on Windows and macOS. The initial support includes Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, and systems based on OpenSUSE.

Installation can be done using .deb and .rpm packages. Support for Flatpak is currently in development, but no release date has been announced.



GX Control in Opera GX for Linux

The browser features GX Control, which allows users to set limits on how much RAM and network bandwidth Opera GX can use. These controls are built into the browser and do not require system-level tools, making it straightforward to limit resource usage when other demanding applications are running.

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Quote:Microsoft details Windows 11 performance and update changes in a new quality roadmap

© Microsoft

Microsoft has published a new Windows 11 quality roadmap, with Windows chief Pavan Davuluri outlining a broader effort to improve performance, reliability, and day to day usability. It’s Microsoft’s attempt to rebuild trust in Windows after months of complaints about bugs, intrusive AI additions, and update problems. Microsoft says the first changes will start appearing for Windows Insiders in late March and throughout April.

File Explorer & Performance

On performance, Microsoft says it will reduce Windows resource usage, lower the baseline memory footprint, and make core parts of the OS feel more responsive. File Explorer is a major target, with promised improvements to launch time, flicker, navigation, search, and large file operations. Microsoft also says it will move more Windows experiences to WinUI3 to cut interaction latency, while WSL is set for faster file performance between Linux and Windows, improved network throughput, and a simpler first time setup flow.


Source: Microsoft
 

Quote:Changes coming to Windows 11 in April

• More taskbar customization, including vertical and top positions: Repositioning the taskbar is one of the top asks we’ve heard from you. We are introducing the ability to reposition it to the top or sides of your screen, making it easier to personalize your workspace.
  

• Integrating AI where it’s most meaningful, with craft and focus: You will see us be more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates across Windows, focusing on experiences that are genuinely useful and well‑crafted. As part of this, we are reducing unnecessary Copilot entry points, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets and Notepad.
  

• Reducing disruption from Windows Updates: Receiving updates should be predictable and easy to plan around, so we’re giving you more control. This includes the ability to skip updates during device setup to get to the desktop faster, restart or shut down without installing updates and pause updates for longer when needed, all while reducing update noise with fewer automatic restarts and notifications.
  

• Faster and more dependable File Explorer: File Explorer is one of the most used surfaces in Windows. Our first round of improvements will focus on a quicker launch experience, reduced flicker, smoother navigation and more reliable performance for everyday file tasks.
  

• More control over widgets and feed experiences: Widgets should feel helpful and relevant, not distracting or overwhelming. We’re introducing quieter defaults, more control over when and how widgets appear, and improved personalization for the Discover feed.
  
• A simpler, more transparent Windows Insider Program: The Windows Insider Program is how you help shape the future of Windows, and it should be easy to understand what to expect and how to participate. We are implementing changes to make it easier for you to navigate with clearer channel definitions, easier access to new features, higher quality builds, better visibility into how your feedback shapes Windows, and more opportunities to engage directly with us.
  

• Improved Feedback Hub, available starting today: Your feedback is essential to improving Windows, and it should be easy to share and see what others are saying. Today, we’re rolling out the largest update to Feedback Hub yet to our Insiders, with a redesigned experience that makes it faster and easier to submit feedback and engage with the community.
  

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Quote:GNOME 50, also known as Tokyo, has been released with a significant update: the complete removal of the X11 session. Now, Wayland is the only display server available at login. Users can no longer log into a GNOME 50 session using X11, even if X.org is installed manually.

However, support for X11 applications remains through XWayland, the compatibility layer integrated into GNOME 50. Existing X11 apps continue to work as before. What’s no longer available is the option to use X11 as the session backend itself.

What GNOME 50 Means for Ubuntu and Fedora Users

GNOME 50 is confirmed for Ubuntu 26.04 "Resolute Raccoon," due next month as a long-term support release. Most Ubuntu desktop users will be running GNOME 50 through at least Ubuntu 28.04, and many for the full five-year support lifespan of the 26.04 LTS.

Fedora 44, currently in beta, also ships GNOME 50 as its default desktop.

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Quote:Google has shared details about its new Android sideloading process, which now includes a 24-hour waiting period, a mandatory phone restart, and extra confirmation steps before you can install unverified apps. These changes will start rolling out in August through Google Play Services and won’t require a system update.

The 24-hour delay only applies to apps from developers who aren’t verified on Google Play. If you’re sideloading apps from developers already registered on Google Play, there’s no delay.

How Google’s New Android Sideloading Process Works

To sideload apps from unverified developers, users will need to follow a few steps. First, they must enable Developer Mode to unlock sideloading, which introduces a slight hurdle to prevent accidental activation. Next, they'll be prompted to confirm that no one has instructed them to disable security restrictions, a step designed to reduce social engineering scams. Then, they'll need to restart their device, which Google says helps terminate any malicious processes running in the background.

After the restart, it's important to wait 24 hours before moving on. When ready, users can choose to allow sideloading either temporarily (lasting 7 days) or indefinitely. A warning will still show during installation, indicating the app is from an unverified developer.

Users can proceed after completing the necessary steps. Google emphasizes that these changes are designed to reduce scams and malicious apps, prevent trickery, and improve overall security on Android.

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Quote:AMD releases Adrenalin 26.3.1 for Crimson Desert, highlights FSR 4.1 update



AMD has released Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition 26.3.1, the same day Crimson Desert went live (I would say it was long overdue, but that’s just AMD’s thing). Pearl Abyss says the game launched globally today and that the PC version supports FSR 3/4 and AMD FSR Ray Regeneration.

In AMD Gaming’s launch message for Crimson Desert, the company describes the update as FSR Upscaling 4.1 and says it improves ML-based upscaling with finer detail, smoother camera motion, and better Ultra Performance Mode behavior. 


Source: AMD

That also clarifies the current hardware target for FSR 4.1. There were some rumors that AMD might unlock FSR4 for older architectures; however, latest drivers clearly mention support only for the Radeon RX 9000 series. 

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Quote:Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are often associated with large enterprises, critical infrastructure, and high-value corporate targets. However, the reality is broader. Private individuals, such as (but not limited to) investigative journalists, activists, or even spouses in abusive relationships, can also become entry points or direct victims of sophisticated, long-term attacks.

In our latest APT Detection Coverage 2026 study, we evaluated how well leading consumer security products detect well-known APT toolsets. This is particularly relevant given that many real-world APT campaigns begin on endpoints outside traditional enterprise environments.

APT Detection Coverage Test 2026